Ep 70. Hot tips to make your DIY visual models more effective

I create a lot of visual models for myself and clients, and I see a lot of people creating visual models, which is amazing!

I hear from people frequently how much value they’re adding to their business already with their DIY visual models.

So, in this episode, I’m sharing with you my top three mistakes people make with creating visual models DIY-style, and how to fix them.

1. MIXING YOUR METAPHORS.

A visual model should align with what you’re communicating in your model. If you’re showing people how to get from A to B and it’s a linear process, you’ll want to choose a visual model that shows that it’s linear. Pro-tip – If you’re illustrating a linear journey from one point to another, don’t use a circle.

2. OVER-RELIANCE ON ONE SHAPE.

Once you understand a type of model, it’s easy to go out and make all of your visual models like that. And I see this, particularly with Venn diagrams. I love a good Venn diagram, but if it’s the only shape you’re used to working with, it can become repetitive and confusing. If you have a Venn diagram for everything, it can be hard for your clients to remember which is which.

Venn Diagrams are great for: Distinct ideas that have overlapping elements. Separate principles that when brought together create something amazing.

Pro-tip – Mix up the models. Have a Venn diagram for one. A series of arrows for a journey or process. A circle with interlocking parts for success principles. That way your clients can quickly and easily recognise and recall your different models. Use things like angles (sharp or rounded), fonts, colours and icons to help make your models look like a cohesive suite.

3. MIXING UP THE 4 DIFFERENT TYPES OF MODELS

I see people trying to cram everything they know into one type of model. But, you need different models for different types of information. Back in episode 67 I went into more depth about the 4 different types of models.

4. TOO MANY WORDS

A visual models is supposed to take something complex and make it simple. Keep it to between 1-3 words per section on your model. You want to be super concise and clear.

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